Giants' most likely trade chip is $12M infielder that can spark bidding war at deadline

The San Francisco Giants are having a terrible 2026 season. Once viewed as postseason contenders for the year, they're now at 14-22 and very much outside the hunt for October.

While things are going poorly, there are a few individuals who are having solid seasons. Casey Schmitt is having a breakout campaign, but there's another infielder who is having a good season.

That infielder is Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report's most likely trade chip in a $12 million signing of Luis Arraez. After a strong start to the year, especially defensively, Arraez could be on the move at this year's deadline.

"San Francisco Giants: 2B Luis Arraez," Miller writes. "However, Arraez is the three-time batting champ who would be a welcome addition to a lot of lineups.

If the Giants did trade Arraez, or at least made him available to acquire, then there is a good chance that a bidding war could ensue, and make this a worthwhile trade for the Giants.

Giants could trade Luis Arraez amid possible bidding war

While the 2026 season might be a disaster, the development that Arraez has made defensively, while maintaining his solid offensive presence, could open the door to a lucrative trade deadline.

Arraez is under contract for just the 2026 season at $12 million and is a clear trade candidate amid a disaster season for the Giants.

There are bound to be teams interested in the .738 OPS and .316 average infielder with impressive defense.

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The Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, and potentially others could look to add Arraez in a trade this year to bolster their infield.

Adding a player like Arraez, who is a good fielder and a great contact hitter with a batting average of .316, is very appealing for a contender.

While 2026 might be a disaster for the Giants, this potential bidding war for Arraez could at least bring back some strong value for a rental infielder to make up for how bad the year has gone.

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